One Billion Souls

The College of Cardinals has begun its deliberations to select a new Pope for the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the large number of Roman Catholics in and around New York City, this is big news here with local stations sending reporters to Rome to cover the event. Over the weekend I heard an commercial on one station that featured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the leader of the Archdiocese of New York, who, in speaking about the heavy responsibility of the Pope, said, “He prays each day for one billion souls.”

I understood what he was saying. The Pope bears the responsibility of the ecclesiastical leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, but also the pastoral care of all who are members. All one billion souls. But, the moment I heard what Cardinal Dolan said I also longed for something more. I wonder what it would say to the global community if someone with the stature and standing of Cardinal Dolan had said, “While the Pope has the responsibility of leadership for the Roman Catholic Church, each day he also prays for all seven billion people who inhabit our planet, because each and every person no matter where they live or what religion the practice (or don’t practice) is a child of God.”

Would it have made a difference?I don’t know.But at least one person would have sat up and paid closer attention.God bless the whole world.No exceptions.